The Punjab Home Department has launched Prison Welfare Stores in all nine central jails across the province, allowing inmates to purchase daily-use items at affordable prices.
Task Force on Prisons Chairman Rana Manan Khan and Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi inaugurated the first Prison Welfare Store at Central Jail Lahore on Thursday.
Officials said the stores offer 74 essential items, including bakery products, beverages, kitchen supplies, and hygiene items. The government plans to extend the facility to all prisons in Punjab within the current month.
Authorities said inmates can buy products online through a tablet-based system using biometric verification and their bank accounts.
The entire purchase process is monitored through a centralized Point of Sale (POS) software system that records inmate details, purchased items, and prices.
The Home Department said CCTV cameras monitor all welfare stores to ensure transparency. Officials also confirmed that the Punjab Agriculture, Food, and Drug Authority laboratory tested food items and declared them fit for consumption.
Speaking at the inauguration, Rana Manan Khan said prison reforms remain a top priority of the Punjab government and emphasized efforts to transform jails into rehabilitation centers.
He directed authorities not to sell any item above market retail prices.
Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said the Punjab Prisons Foundation manages the stores, and an audit officer has been appointed to ensure financial transparency.
Prisons Inspector General Mian Farooq Nazir said the welfare stores would operate on a no-profit, no-loss basis, with all products available at market rates.
📢 For the latest General & Pakistan news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Shares
